Oakland University appoints Trung Nguyen as Vice President for Student Affairs and Engagement

Oakland University has appointed Trung Nguyen as its new Vice President for Student Affairs and Engagement, effective Monday, July 13, 2026.

Nguyen joins Oakland with more than 20 years of leadership experience in higher education, most recently serving as Assistant Vice President for Student Engagement and Success at the University at Buffalo, the flagship campus of the State University of New York system. During his four years there, he led initiatives focused on student engagement, learning, and career preparation, while collaborating closely with academic affairs leaders to advance leadership development, experiential learning, and career readiness.

Throughout his career, Nguyen has demonstrated a strong commitment to expanding access and supporting student success. In previous roles, he managed scholarship programs aimed at improving student access and persistence and secured federal funding to grow initiatives supporting first-generation and underrepresented students.

A first-generation college graduate, Nguyen brings both professional expertise and personal perspective to his work. He earned a Doctor of Education in Higher Education Leadership from Texas Christian University, a Master of Arts in Student Affairs in Higher Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, and a Bachelor of Arts in Public Justice from SUNY Oswego.

“We are so fortunate to welcome Dr. Nguyen to Oakland University,” said President Ora Hirsch Pescovitz. “With his strong record of leadership and deep commitment to student success, I am confident he will be an outstanding partner in fostering a sense of belonging and helping our students thrive.”

Nguyen expressed enthusiasm about joining the university and contributing to its continued growth and student-centered mission.

“I am truly honored and excited to join Oakland University at such a dynamic moment in its trajectory,” Nguyen said. “I look forward to partnering with students, faculty, and staff to build on OU’s strong foundation and to advance a vibrant, inclusive student experience that supports learning, engagement, and success.”

He emphasized that student success will remain central to his leadership approach.

“Student success is at the heart of everything I do, and I am deeply committed to fostering an environment where every student feels a sense of belonging, is actively engaged in their learning, and has access to the opportunities and support needed to achieve their goals both during and beyond their time at OU,” he said.